A popular Aberdeen tourist attraction will reopen this week.
Aberdeen Art Gallery will be opened for the first time in five months at 10am on Thursday.
A range of measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
These include the introduction of free two-hour timed tickets, which should be booked online in advance of a visit.
Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson said: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been immense during the past five months.
“We have weathered the national and local lockdowns together and the re-opening of Aberdeen Art Gallery – the jewel in Aberdeen’s cultural crown – is a major milestone on the city’s road to recovery.
“As we learn to live with Covid-19 museums and galleries will play a vital role in our lives.
“Aberdeen Art Gallery is a safe and enjoyable place to meet and spend time with family and friends.
“A visit supports our wellbeing with inspiring surroundings and exceptional collections to explore.
“Things may feel a little different at first, but together we’ll adapt to the ‘new normal’ and begin to re-discover the rich visitor experiences we have on our doorstep here in Aberdeen.”
Aberdeen Art Gallery has been awarded the UK-wide industry standard ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation which offers reassurance to local residents and visitors that clear Covid-19 processes are in place.
Christine Rew, Art Gallery & Museums Manager, said: “We are very much looking forward to being open for business again.
“The gallery team has been working hard behind closed doors to ensure that every visit will be safe, relaxing and enjoyable.
“The measures we have put in place include pre-booked timed entry to manage visitor numbers and maintain social distancing, enhanced cleaning, hand-sanitising stations and one-way routes.
“For the first few weeks our opening hours will be slightly reduced, to help us make sure we offer the very best visitor experience in the very safest way. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
The gallery was forced to close its doors on March 16 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, just four months after reopening following its £34.6m redevelopment.
Online booking for free tickets for Aberdeen Art Gallery opens tomorrow at 10am at www.aagm.co.uk.
Initial opening hours will be Thursday-Monday 10am-4pm.
The re-opening of Aberdeen Maritime Museum and The Tolbooth Museum will be announced at a later date.
